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Purpose: Assess the refractive states of donkeys and goats. Methods: Forty‐two donkeys and 28 goats were enrolled. The mean ± SD ages were 7.68 ± 7.33 years for donkeys and 4.26 ± 2.33 years for goats. Seven donkeys and one goat were <6 months old. Retinoscopy was performed in alert animals, following cycloplegia in goats but not in donkeys. Normality was determined using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The two primary meridians and two eyes were compared using Pearson's correlation and paired Student's t–tests. The association between refractive states and age was examined using one‐way ANOVA in donkeys and a paired Student's t‐test in goats. One‐sample t‐tests were conducted to assess if the refractive error distributions were significantly different from "0". Results: The mean ± SD spherical equivalent (SE) refractive errors of the right and left donkey eyes were −0.80 ± 1.03 D and −0.35 ± 0.95 D, respectively. The majority (86%) of the donkeys had an astigmatic refraction and eight (19%) had anisometropia. The mean SE refractive errors of the right and left goat eyes were −0.15 ± 1.1 D and −0.18 ± 1.2 D, respectively. The majority (54%) of the goat eyes had an astigmatic refraction and five (18%) had anisometropia. The right and left eye SE refractive errors were positively correlated in both species (both p =.9). Age was not correlated with refractive error in both donkeys (p =.09) and goats (p =.6). Conclusions: Both goats and donkeys are emmetropic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat farming has been present in Brazil since the colonial period, currently the Northeast has the largest contingent of these animals, where they are exploited to obtain meat, milk and leather. The objective of this work was to analyze the profile of goat farming in the municipality of Anajatuba, Maranhão (MA), highlighting the characteristics of the management of the creation and the preponderant socioeconomic aspects involving the activity. For this, eight goat farmers from four villages in the municipality of Anajatuba-MA were interviewed. A pre-structured questionnaire was used with data associated with the owner, property, herd, general management and commercialization of the products. Data were tabulated and presented as percentage averages. The results showed a production chain based on subsistence, with a prevalence of men with an average age of 46 years and low level of education, without planning and technological resources, prevalence of the extensive system of creation dedicated to meat exploitation, with deficient sanitary and reproductive management. There is an inefficiency in the complex that forms the dynamism of the goat production chain in the municipality of Anajatuba-MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the dietary inclusion of mesquite pods (Prosopis laevigata) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites and carcass traits, 15 Creole goat kids (12.1 ± 2.8 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets with 0, 300 and 600 g of mesquite pods (dry matter basis). The study lasted 80 days. At the end of this period, the blood and ruminal fluid were sampled and the nitrogen (N) balance was calculated. The growth performance and feed intake were not affected by the mesquite pods. The nitrogen digestibility, N absorbed, and N retained increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the increasing amounts of mesquite pods in the diet. The serum glucose and triglycerides were not affected by the mesquite pods, but the creatinine and uric acid decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as the mesquite pods increased in the diet. The highest (P < 0.05) rumen pH value, ammonia-N concentration, molar proportion of the acetate and the acetate : propionate ratio was found in the goat kids fed the diet with 600 g when compared to those fed diets with 0 and 300 g mesquite pods. Beneficial dietary effects of mesquite pods on the blood metabolites and N retention of the goat kids were found in this study; therefore, the dietary inclusion of mesquite pods at 600 g/kg can be used as a feed alternative for growing goat kids.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor bean cake (DCC), containing different alkaline solutions, on the nutritional parameters of Saanen and Anglo-Nubian female goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) kids. The treatments consisted of three diets: one based on corn and SM; and two with DCC with Ca(OH)2 or NaOH. Intake and digestibility data were analyzed in two phases according to the growth curves of the goats, which showed: a linear accelerated growth (phase I, from 60 to 298 days of life) and a reduction in the intensity of body growth (phase II, from 299 to 345 days). During phase I, the goat kids fed DCC with NaOH showed a lower intake of dry matter (DM) and nutrients. During phase II, there was significant effect of diets on the intake of nutrients, with the exception of ether extract (EE), total digestible nutrients, and metabolizable energy (ME). A diet effect was observed on the digestibility of DM, crude protein, EE, and neutral detergent fiber, mainly for goat kids fed diets with DCC. Despite their lower intake, the diets formulated with DCC do not negatively affect the nutritional performance of female goats kids in both growth phases, since they result in a greater feed efficiency.

Growth literature often uses the Brody, Gompertz, Verhulst, and von Bertalanffy models. Is there a rationale for the preference of these classical named models? The versatile five-parameter Bertalanffy-Pütter (BP) model generalizes these models. We revisited peer-reviewed publications from the years 1970–2019 that fitted growth models to together 122 mass-at-age data of sheep and goats from 19 countries and studied the best-fit BP-models using the least-squares method. None of the named models was ever best-fitting. However, for 70% of the data a single non-sigmoidal model had an acceptable fit (normalized root mean squared error 〈 5% and F-ratio test 〉 5% in comparison to the best-fit): the Brody model. The inherently non-sigmoidal character was further underlined, as there were only 39% of the data, where the best-fitting BP-model had a discernible inflection point. For these data, conclusions of biological interest could be drawn from the sigmoidal best-fit BP-models: the maximal weight gain per day was about 55% higher than the natal weight gain per day.

There is consensus that the quality of the human–animal relationship (HAR) is relevant to guarantee appropriate levels of animal welfare. Given the impact that HAR may have on both goats and human beings, the aim of the present review is to elucidate: (1) how humans and goats communicate; (2) which are the factors affecting human–goat interactions; (3) how we can measure the quality of this relationship. The systematic review led to the selection of 58 relevant articles. Effective human–goat communication takes place by means of visual, tactile and auditory stimuli and, to a less extent, via olfactory and gustative stimuli. Goats have well-developed socio-cognitive abilities and rely on humans to get relevant information. A deep knowledge of goats’ communication means and socio-cognitive abilities may greatly help improving the human–goat relationship. Management practices (e.g., rearing methods, amount and quality of interactions), as well as genetic selection for suitable individual traits, may contribute to improving HAR. Several measures to assess the quality of HAR have been validated, including avoidance in the pen and at the feeding rack and latency to first contact. Finally, farmers’ attitudes and empathy with goats, as well as their motivation to work with animals, should be improved through appropriate training.

Abstract Background Defining hidden genetic diversity within species is of great significance when attempting to maintain the evolutionary potential of natural populations and conduct appropriate management. Our hypothesis is that isolated (and eventually small) wild animal populations hide unexpected genetic diversity due to their maintenance of ancient polymorphisms or introgressions. Results We tested this hypothesis using the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) as an example. Previous studies based on large sample sizes taken from its principal populations have revealed that the Iberian ibex has a remarkably small MHC DRB1 diversity (only six remnant alleles) as a result of recent population bottlenecks and a marked demographic decline that has led to the extinction of two recognized subspecies. Extending on the geographic range to include non-studied isolated Iberian ibex populations, we sequenced a new MHC DRB1 in what seemed three small isolated populations in Southern Spain (n = 132). The findings indicate a higher genetic diversity than previously reported in this important gene. The newly discovered allele, MHC DRB1*7, is identical to one reported in the domestic goat C. aegagrus hircus. Whether or not this is the result of ancient polymorphisms maintained by balancing selection or, alternatively, introgressions from domestic goats through hybridization needs to be clarified in future studies. However, hybridization between Iberian ibex and domestic goats has been reported in Spain and the fact that the newly discovered allele is only present in one of the small isolated populations and not in the others suggests introgression. The new discovered allele is not expected to increase fitness in C. pyrenaica since it generates the same protein as the existing MHC DRB1*6. Analysis of a microsatellite locus (OLADRB1) near the new MHC DRB1*7 gene reveals a linkage disequilibrium between these two loci. The allele OLADRB1, 187 bp in length, was unambiguously linked to the MHC DRB1*7 allele. This enabled us to perform a DRB-STR matching method for the recently discovered MHC allele. Conclusions This finding is critical for the conservation of the Iberian ibex since it directly affects the identification of the units of this species that should be managed and conserved separately (Evolutionarily Significant Units).

To evaluate the dietary inclusion of mesquite pods (Prosopis laevigata) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites and carcass traits, 15 Creole goat kids (12.1 ± 2.8 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets with 0, 300 and 600 g of mesquite pods (dry matter basis). The study lasted 80 days. At the end of this period, the blood and ruminal fluid were sampled and the nitrogen (N) balance was calculated. The growth performance and feed intake were not affected by the mesquite pods. The nitrogen digestibility, N absorbed, and N retained increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the increasing amounts of mesquite pods in the diet. The serum glucose and triglycerides were not affected by the mesquite pods, but the creatinine and uric acid decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as the mesquite pods increased in the diet. The highest (P < 0.05) rumen pH value, ammonia-N concentration, molar proportion of the acetate and the acetate : propionate ratio was found in the goat kids fed the diet with 600 g when compared to those fed diets with 0 and 300 g mesquite pods. Beneficial dietary effects of mesquite pods on the blood metabolites and N retention of the goat kids were found in this study; therefore, the dietary inclusion of mesquite pods at 600 g/kg can be used as a feed alternative for growing goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though smallholder goat enterprise has been a major source of livelihood in most African communities for ages, yet little efforts exist to explore its full potential through commercialization. While much has been done to improve agricultural production in the small-scale sector, little is known and documented about the current state of goat production and marketing in most parts of Nigeria. Using proportionate sampling, data were collected from 160 smallholder goat producers and 220 consumers making a total of 380 respondents for the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analyses, multiple regression and Likert Scale Technique. The study showed that smallholder goat enterprise was female-dominated with majority aged between 51 - 60 years. The average cost, average revenue and gross margin per production season were ₦12,471.78, ₦16,755.51 and ₦4,904.61, respectively. The farmers realized ₦430.20, ₦450.80, ₦252.00 and ₦363.50 on a kilogram of buck, doe, male and female kids, respectively. Smallholder goat enterprise was profitable in the study area because the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) showed that every ₦100 invested per goat yielded ₦34.00 more and above the money invested. The multiple regression model analysis showed that management practice (P < 0.01), gender (P < 0.1), age of cost of medication (P < 0.01) and flock size (P < 0.05) significantly influence the profitability of smallholder goat production in the study area. The result of Likert’s scale indicated that 66.8 % of the consumers preferred goat meat to other meats because of its availability (56.8 %) and taste (22.3 %). Therefore, it is recommended that efforts should be put into commercializing goat enterprise in the tropics using the intensive system.

A Rock Alpine doe (Capra aegagrus hircus) was presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of scaling and ulceration over the withers, coronary bands, and dewclaws. The doe was euthanized because of poor prognosis associated with a radiographically identified cranial mediastinal mass, increased respiratory effort, and discomfort. Autopsy revealed a cranial mediastinal mass, and scaling-to-ulcerative lesions affecting the dorsum, ventrum, pinna, neck, teats, coronary bands, and dewclaws. Histologically, the mediastinal mass was an epithelial neoplasm with admixed non-neoplastic T lymphocytes, consistent with a lymphoepithelial (mixed) thymoma. Sections of affected skin were characterized by hyperkeratotic cell-rich interface dermatitis with transepidermal and follicular apoptosis. Thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis has been recognized in cats and a rabbit, but has not been reported previously in a goat, to our knowledge. Given that thymomas are not uncommon in goats, thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis should be considered a clinical differential in goats with dermatologic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions around how to conserve nature are increasingly leading to dissonance in conservation planning and action. While science can assist in unraveling the nature of conservation challenges, conservation responses rely heavily on normative positions and constructs to order actions, aid interpretations, and provide motivation. However, problems can arise when norms are mistaken for science or when they stymy scientific rigor. To highlight these potential pitfalls, we used the ethics‐based tool of argument analysis to assess a controversial conservation intervention, the Pelorus Island Goat Control Program. The program proponents' argument for restorative justice was unsound because it relied on weak logical construction overly entrenched in normative assumptions. Overreliance on normative constructs, particularly the invocation of tragedy, creates a sense of urgency that can subvert scientific and ethical integrity, obscure values and assumptions, and increase the propensity for flawed logic. This example demonstrates how the same constructs that drive biodiversity conservation can also drive poor decision making, spur public backlash, and justify poor animal welfare outcomes. To provide clarity, a decision‐making flowchart we devised demonstrates how values, norms, and ethics influence one another. We recommend practitioners follow 3 key points to improve decision making: be aware of values, as well as normative constructs and ethical theories that those values inform; be mindful of overreliance on either normative constructs or ethics when deciding action is justified; and be logically sound and transparent when building justifications. We also recommend 5 key attributes that practitioners should be attentive to when making conservation decisions: clarity, transparency, scientific integrity, adaptiveness, and compassion. Greater attention to the role of norms in decision making will improve conservation outcomes and garner greater public support for actions. Article impact statement: Reducing the overemphasis of normative constructs in argument construction can improve ethical decision making and reduce conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os fatores de risco envolvidos na transmissão de Chlamydophila abortus a ovinos e caprinos, bem como verificar a soroprevalência da infecção. Foram selecionadas 110 propriedades, com um total de 500 amostras de ovinos - 350 da Microrregião do Alto Médio Gurgueia (MRAMG) e 150 da Microrregião Homogênea de Teresina (MRHT), ambas do Estado do Piauí - e 600 amostras de caprinos - 300 da MRAMG e 300 da MRHT. Um questionário epidemiológico foi empregado para identificar os principais fatores de risco. Os anticorpos anti-C. abortus foram detectados pela técnica de fixação de complemento. A prevalência geral da infecção por C. abortus foi de 7,2% (79/1.100). A prevalência em caprinos e ovinos na MRAMG foi de 7,9% (51/650) e, na MRHT, foi de 6,2% (28/450). Nas microrregiões estudadas, a prevalência em ovinos foi de 8,2% (41/500) e, em caprinos, de 6,3% (38/600). O sistema de criação, as práticas reprodutivas e o tipo racial foram fatores de risco relevantes para a infecção em ovinos. Também foram relevantes em caprinos as práticas reprodutivas e a origem das matrizes e dos reprodutores. A raça Dorper apresenta maior suscetibilidade à infecção por C. abortus.

Simple Summary: A good relationship between humans (e.g., farmers, owners) and farm animals is vital for the well-being of both parties: on the one hand, people are satisfied with their work, which becomes less stressful and more profitable, and may receive social benefits in terms of education or animal-assisted therapy; on the other hand, animals are rewarded by the presence of humans and are not afraid of them. Goats have high cognitive and communicative abilities towards humans: recognising these abilities helps humans to work properly on the quality of this relationship that is built from the first hours of the goat kids' life, thanks to frequent and positive contacts (e.g., stroking, talking in a calm voice). Improving the quality of this relationship is an investment in the future of livestock farming and meets public demands for ethical and sustainable production. This review outlines the characteristics and predisposing factors for the establishment of a good human–goat relationship and for its evaluation. There is consensus that the quality of the human–animal relationship (HAR) is relevant to guarantee appropriate levels of animal welfare. Given the impact that HAR may have on both goats and human beings, the aim of the present review is to elucidate: (1) how humans and goats communicate; (2) which are the factors affecting human–goat interactions; (3) how we can measure the quality of this relationship. The systematic review led to the selection of 58 relevant articles. Effective human–goat communication takes place by means of visual, tactile and auditory stimuli and, to a less extent, via olfactory and gustative stimuli. Goats have well-developed socio-cognitive abilities and rely on humans to get relevant information. A deep knowledge of goats' communication means and socio-cognitive abilities may greatly help improving the human–goat relationship. Management practices (e.g., rearing methods, amount and quality of interactions), as well as genetic selection for suitable individual traits, may contribute to improving HAR. Several measures to assess the quality of HAR have been validated, including avoidance in the pen and at the feeding rack and latency to first contact. Finally, farmers' attitudes and empathy with goats, as well as their motivation to work with animals, should be improved through appropriate training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth literature often uses the Brody, Gompertz, Verhulst, and von Bertalanffy models. Is there a rationale for the preference of these classical named models? The versatile five-parameter Bertalanffy-Pütter (BP) model generalizes these models. We revisited peer-reviewed publications from the years 1970-2019 that fitted growth models to together 122 mass-at-age data of sheep and goats from 19 countries and studied the best-fit BP-models using the least-squares method. None of the named models was ever best-fitting. However, for 70% of the data a single non-sigmoidal model had an acceptable fit (normalized root mean squared error 〈 5% and F-ratio test 〉 5% in comparison to the best-fit): the Brody model. The inherently non-sigmoidal character was further underlined, as there were only 39% of the data, where the best-fitting BP-model had a discernible inflection point. For these data, conclusions of biological interest could be drawn from the sigmoidal best-fit BP-models: the maximal weight gain per day was about 55% higher than the natal weight gain per day., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. There occurred no ethical issues, as the research was based on publications in peer-reviewed journals that checked that matter. On request, the authors provide additional information (e.g. Mathematica file for the optimization)., (© 2020 The Author(s).)

Background: Defining hidden genetic diversity within species is of great significance when attempting to maintain the evolutionary potential of natural populations and conduct appropriate management. Our hypothesis is that isolated (and eventually small) wild animal populations hide unexpected genetic diversity due to their maintenance of ancient polymorphisms or introgressions. Results: We tested this hypothesis using the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) as an example. Previous studies based on large sample sizes taken from its principal populations have revealed that the Iberian ibex has a remarkably small MHC DRB1 diversity (only six remnant alleles) as a result of recent population bottlenecks and a marked demographic decline that has led to the extinction of two recognized subspecies. Extending on the geographic range to include non-studied isolated Iberian ibex populations, we sequenced a new MHC DRB1 in what seemed three small isolated populations in Southern Spain (n = 132). The findings indicate a higher genetic diversity than previously reported in this important gene. The newly discovered allele, MHC DRB1*7, is identical to one reported in the domestic goat C. aegagrus hircus. Whether or not this is the result of ancient polymorphisms maintained by balancing selection or, alternatively, introgressions from domestic goats through hybridization needs to be clarified in future studies. However, hybridization between Iberian ibex and domestic goats has been reported in Spain and the fact that the newly discovered allele is only present in one of the small isolated populations and not in the others suggests introgression. The new discovered allele is not expected to increase fitness in C. pyrenaica since it generates the same protein as the existing MHC DRB1*6. Analysis of a microsatellite locus (OLADRB1) near the new MHC DRB1*7 gene reveals a linkage disequilibrium between these two loci. The allele OLADRB1, 187 bp in length, was unambiguously linked to the MHC DRB1*7 allele. This enabled us to perform a DRB-STR matching method for the recently discovered MHC allele. Conclusions: This finding is critical for the conservation of the Iberian ibex since it directly affects the identification of the units of this species that should be managed and conserved separately (Evolutionarily Significant Units). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport phase of the animal-mediated plant dispersal process is critical to dispersal effectiveness as it determines the spatial distribution of the diaspores released and their chance for further recruitment. Assessing this specific phase of the dispersal process generally requires combining diaspore retention times with the associated distances covered. Here, we specifically tested the effect of grooming behavior, interindividual contacts and ungulate fur on diaspore retention times and associated dispersal distances for the hooked diaspores of Xanthium strumarium L. experimentally attached to tamed individuals of three ungulate species. We used a comparative approach based on differing fur quality on different body zones of these three ungulates. During 6-hr sessions, we monitored for grooming and social interactions that may induce intended or inadvertent diaspore detachment. Additionally, we proposed innovative approaches to directly assessing diaspore dispersal distances by red deer in situ. Fat-tailed functions fitted diaspore retention time, highlighting the potential for long-distance dispersal events. The longer the hair, the higher the retention capacity of diaspores in the animal's fur. As predicted, donkey retained diaspores longer than red deer and dwarf goat; and we also confirmed that diaspores attached to the short hair of the head fell off more quickly than did those on the other body zones. Dwarf goat groomed more often than both red deer and donkey, but also when it carried diaspores. Up to 14% of the diaspores detached from animal fur after specific grooming behavior. We observed, in controlled conditions, for the first time and for each ungulate species, interindividual transfers of diaspores, representing 5% of the diaspores attached to animals' fur. Our results militate for incorporating animal behavior into plant dispersal modeling approaches.